A Legend Reborn: National Artists’ Rock Opera Ballet “Tales of the Manuvu” Returns to the Stage this 2026

Alice Reyes Dance Philippines (ARDP), in collaboration with the University of the Philippines, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, with the generous support of the Office of Senator Pia Cayetano, is proud to announce the 2026 restaging of Tales of the Manuvu. Premiered in 1977, this production is the first Filipino rock opera ballet, masterfully weaving indigenous mythology with the vibrant energy of rock and pop music.

The 2026 season begins with performances at the University Theater, UP Diliman, on February 27–28, followed by a strictly limited run at the Proscenium Theater in Rockwell, Makati, on March 28–29.

A Historic Artistic Collaboration
This masterpiece was born from the creative synergy of legendary Filipino artists. National Artist Alice Reyes provided the visionary direction and choreography, while National Artist Bienvenido Lumbera penned the libretto. Crucial to its iconic sound was the music composed by OPM icon Dero Pedero, with additional music by the rock band Afterbirth. The original production also featured stars of the Philippine theater and music scene, including Boy Camara, Anthony Castelo, Haji Alejandro, Celeste Legaspi, and the debut of newfound talent, Leah Navarro.

Reflecting on the production’s origins, National Artist Alice Reyes notes:

“In 1976, Bien Lumbera and I were both delighted by E. Arsenio Manuel's folk tales... We agreed that the tales could be rich material for a rock-opera ballet, a dance concept still in its nascent state in the Philippines. We opened on February 25, 1977, to a packed house in the CCP and never looked back.

Forty-nine years later—and almost to the day—Tales of the Manuvu makes a strong comeback... Although dance is about change and movement, ARDP puts value and currency in proven works. It continues to foster a collaborative environment for Filipino artists—all in a mission to keep dance as an art form that provokes, excites, and engages the national spirit and consciousness.”

The 2026 Restaging
The 2026 production is restaged by ARDP Ballet Master Lester Reguindin. This iteration features new set and costume designs by award-winning director and designer Loy Arcenas, and lighting design by Barbara Tan-Tiongco.

A Stellar Cast of Voices and Movement
The production features a powerhouse ensemble of singers and dancers, continuing the tradition of featuring live vocalists and a rock band alongside technical brilliance. With a rotating cast, the production offers a unique experience at every performance.

 

 

Audiences are invited to catch the different artistic interpretations of both the singers and dancers.

The Singers:

• Manama / First Man: Portrayed by Gawad Buhay awardee Joshua Cadeliña, alternating with versatile theater artist Adonis Villanueva.
• Ogassi: Brought to life by international a cappella sensation Almond Bolante, sharing the role with distinguished baritone Greg De Leon.
• First Woman: Featuring rising stars Christy Lagapa, alternating with Toni Carm Santos.

The Dancers:

• Manama: John Ababon, alternating with Renzen Arboleda.
• Ogassi: Earl John Arisola, sharing the role with seasoned choreographer and dance artist Erl Sorilla.
• First Man: Renzen Arboleda and James Galarpe.
• First Woman: Krislynne Buri and Francine Beltran

Supporting Artists and the Community

All proceeds from ticket sales will cover production expenses and provide essential financial support to ARDP dancers, musicians, and the artists involved in bringing this epic production to life. By purchasing tickets, patrons directly contribute to sustaining the legacy of Filipino dance and supporting the livelihoods of dedicated performing artists.

Performance, Cast Schedule & Ticketing

To ensure the arts remain accessible, the UP Diliman leg of the tour offers free admission on a first-come, first-served basis.

Admission is FREE with a required pre-registration via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tales-of-the-manuvu-tickets-1982415778960

Following its UP performances—made possible by a creative grant from UP President Angelo Jimenez— the production moves to the Proscenium Theater in Makati for a strictly limited run on March 28–29.

A Fundraising Gala will be held on March 28 (7:30 PM) in which your Gala ticket is a direct investment in the future of ARDP, providing vital support for our dancers and the preservation of the works of National Artists like Alice Reyes and Agnes Locsin.

• Orchestra Center: 5,000
• Orchestra Side: 4,000
• Dress Circle: 2,500

For Fundraising Gala Tickets, contact Joey Trinidad: ticketingofficer@ardp.ph | +63 945 664 1010.

March 29 – Regular Performances

● Matinee (2:00 PM):

• Orchestra Center (2,500)
• Orchestra Side (1,800)
• Dress Circle (1,800)

● Evening (6:00 PM):

• Orchestra Center (3,000)
• Orchestra Side (2,000)
• Dress Circle (2,000)

Early Bird Offer: 10% OFF for a limited time.
Discounts: PWD (20%), Senior Citizen (20%), and Student (50%) discounts apply.

Join the Priority List today to secure early access and the best available seats. Click here to reserve https://bit.ly/4rJIznA

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Dulaang UP makes a comeback with Floy Quintos' The Reconciliation Dinner

The stage is set for Dulaang UP’s comeback with 45th Theatre Season opener, THE RECONCILIATION DINNER, a new one-act play by Floy Quintos, directed by Dexter M. Santos.

THE RECONCILIATION DINNER is a dark comedy about friends trying to heal unspoken hurts, suspicions, disbelief about the choices of those they thought they knew well. In light of the 2022 elections, how well do we really know those we hold dear? And how far are we willing to go to overlook the choices they make?

The production boasts a powerhouse ensemble of actors led by Stella Cañete-Mendoza and Frances Makil-Ignacio. They are joined by regulars in the Philippines theatre scene including Randy Medel Villarama, Jojo Cayabyab, Nelsito Gomez, Hariette Mozelle, and Phi Palmos.

Frances Makil-Ignacio

Stella Ca˜nete-Mendoza

Joining Quintos and Santos on their sixth theatre collaboration (previous works include The Kundiman Party, Angry Christ, Ang Huling Lagda ni Apolinario Mabini, Ang Nawalang Kapatid, and Collection) are Charles Yee (set), Mitoy Sta. Ana (costume), Loren Rivera (lights), Arvy Dimaculangan (sounds), Steven Tansiongco (video and poster), and Jojit Lorenzo (photography).

THE RECONCILIATION DINNER runs from November 18 to November 20 at the UP Theater Main Hall Stage, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Tickets are available via Ticket2Me (https://ticket2me.net/e/36022). The production will also have a limited video-on-demand release via Ticket2Me.

November 18 (Friday), 7:30 PM

November 19, (Saturday), 10:30 AM

November 19 (Saturday), 3:00 PM

November 19 (Saturday), 7:30 PM

November 20 (Sunday), 10:30 AM

November 20 (Sunday), 3:00 PM

November 20 (Sunday), 7:30 PM

For ticket inquiries and sponsorship, you may email us at dulaangup.upd@up.edu.ph or message our Facebook Page: Dulaang Unibersidad ng Pilipinas (DUP Official Page).

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Celebrate Quezon City's 75th anniversary in different spots

There's so much to go to without going too far from Metro Manila. And in the region's largest city, Quezon City has a lot more to offer than getting with the stars and good food. For the city's 75th anniversary, take time to visit some of its good spots.

Did you know that inside University of the Philippines alone, you can learn a big chunk of history and be amazed with heritage wonders? Founded in 1908, the University of the Philippines was the result of the Secretary of Public Instruction, W. Morgan Schuster’s recommendation to the Philippine Commission, the upper house of the Philippine Assembly. Act 1870 authorized the Governor General to establish the University of the Philippines in the “city of Manila, or at any point he may deem most convenient.” The UP was to give “advanced instruction in literature, philosophy, the sciences and arts, and to give professional and technical training” to every qualified student regardless of “age, sex, nationality, religious belief and political affiliation.” MORE HERE

We've toured around UP and went to the Vargas Museum which was named after former politician Jorge Vargas. It contains authentic Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo paintings which are part of Mr. Vargas' collection. It is delightful to know more about history not taught in school and get close encounters with works of great artists like Juan Luna and Fernando Amorsolo.

When you go to the third floor, there is an exhibition by Mr. Mark Salvatus. One hall plays a video with music by the Philippine Army band.

Vargas Museum facade

Me in front of Amorsolo's artwork

The Vargas Museum also holds different exhibits every now and then. We were lucky to catch the last day of Hand Made Violence by Bembol dela Cruz. It emphasizes the idea of acquiring illegal guns, their description and how they are portrayed and perceived by people who own them.

We also went to the two churches found inside the campus, the Parish of the Holy Sacrifice and the Church of the Risen Lord. Two Christian churches, a Catholic and a Protestant one, that we are able to realize two contradicting beliefs perform adjacent to each other.

Church of the Risen Lord (Protestant)

Parish of the Holy Sacrifice (Catholic)

Before the sun sets, we reached the Carillon, the only bell tower inside UP Diliman, next to the Aldaba Hall. It used to play during Carlos P. Romulo's time and it is used for playing music and heard throughout UP Diliman. It originally consisted of 46 tuned bells in a 130-foot tower and was restored after World War II. MORE BITS HERE

UP Carillon

Probably the most prominent imagery of the University of the Philippines is the Quezon Hall where the famous UP Oblation stands tall. It also houses many of the administrative offices for the entire university. Behind it is where the annual Lantern Parade is assembled. MORE HERE

Lastly, we went to the PAGASA Astronomical Observatory where we can check latest astronomical phenomenon and for further studies. Sadly that the sun is still shining but if you have time or looking forward to see the heavenly bodies, visit the observatory at your convenience.

The day is not enough to tour around UP and explore. But if you're tired and want to relax a embrace cityhood again, you can stop at UP Town Center just along Katipunan and give in to your cravings.

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